EP1775197A2 - Motor vehicle body - Google Patents

Abstract

The structure has a support module including a holding unit (4) integrated to a window post (3) and a front pillar. The post has upper and lower ends (3a, 3b) respectively connected to center and front pillars, and a reinforcing module extends between the window post and the front pillar. The reinforcing module has a reinforcing tube (2) and a structural foam plate (5) arranged on the support module, where the plate passes from one solid state to another solid state so as to fill mounting clearances between the modules.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle structure.

The invention more particularly relates to a vehicle structure comprising a support module, a reinforcement module and a spacer means.

It is known to stiffen a motor vehicle structure by using reinforcing means, such as reinforcing tubes, arranged at the level of zones of the structure which are sensitive to deformation during impacts of the vehicle. Thus, it is for example known to arrange a reinforcing tube on a bay post area to stiffen the side jambs. The degree of stiffening of the vehicle structure is a very important factor that must not be neglected to meet safety standards.

For this, it is in particular carried out the arrangement of at least one reinforcement element 2 attached and then secured to the structure 3 of the vehicle. Such stiffening is recommended to avoid crushing said amount of bay when the vehicle turns but also to distribute the forces generated by a shock to all surrounding structural elements. In fact, it is known to assemble a reinforcing tube between a bolster core and an upright lining, namely between two parts of the vehicle structure. This assembly is performed during a preparation of shoeing to form a subset of parts which is intended to cooperate in part with a front foot of the vehicle structure.

Since the reinforcing tube must not deform in case of impact, it is made of a material highly resistant to deformation. It could be made in a material of lesser hardness but at the expense of its section. In order to make the presence of such a reinforcing tube discreet, or even in order to make the shape of the berry post as gracious as possible, it is preferred the use of a reinforcement tube of contained section, made by example in a hardened steel containing boron. For this, it is also necessary that the reinforcing tube is substantially of complementary shape to the assembly consisting of the amount of bay and the front foot.

Given the difficulty of conforming such a tube forms defined by those of the vehicle structure, their mounting on the vehicle structure is sometimes imprecise. Indeed, such tubes have significant manufacturing tolerance indices so that the mounting clearance that is required for their implementation and their assembly on the structure are consistent, even about 5 millimeters around the periphery of the tube.

The Applicant has found that such mounting gaps do not allow the tube to transmit, optimally, the forces of an external shock through the vehicle structure. In fact, the assembling sets at the periphery of the tube do not make it possible to transmit all the components of the forces of a shock to the structure. Therefore, the presence of these sets of fixtures heavily penalizes the performance of the vehicle vis-à-vis the resistance to shocks.

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle structure comprising at least one reinforcement module providing transmission of the forces of an external impact through the vehicle structural elements, at least one support module cooperating with all or part of said module reinforcing, overcoming all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art noted above.

To this end, the structure according to the invention, furthermore in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that it comprises at least one spacer means arranged on all or part of said module reinforcement and / or said support module, said spacer means being adapted to pass from a first solid state to a second solid state to fill mounting sets between said reinforcement module and said support module.

• soit le module de renfort comprend au moins un tube de renfort, un organe de maintien et ledit moyen faisant entretoise, et le module de support comprend au moins un élément de structure, soit le module de renfort comprend au moins un tube de renfort et le module de support comprend au moins un élément de structure, un organe de maintien et ledit moyen faisant entretoise,
• le module de renfort est lié de manière isostatique au module de support lorsque ledit moyen faisant entretoise est dans le premier état solide,
• la structure comprend au moins un cordon de soudure et une ouverture ménagée sur au moins un élément de structure, ledit cordon de soudure s'étendant le long de lignes de jointure entre le tube de renfort et l'élément de structure,
• le module de renfort est lié de manière hyperstatique au module de support lorsque ledit moyen faisant entretoise est dans le second état solide,
• ledit moyen faisant entretoise comprend un moins une plaque en mousse structurale qui est apte à augmenter de volume sous l'effet de la chaleur afin de rigidifier la structure du véhicule,
• la structure comprend au moins une plaque en mousse structurale collée sur une face intérieure d'un organe de maintien d'un tube de renfort, ladite face intérieure étant au regard du tube de renfort,
• la structure comprend au moins une plaque en mousse structurale collée sur une face extérieure d'un organe de maintien d'un tube de renfort, ladite face extérieure étant au regard d'un élément de structure,
• l'élément de structure est un montant de baie de véhicule automobile.

Moreover, the structure of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken separately or in combination:

• the reinforcing module comprises at least one reinforcing tube, a holding member and said spacer means, and the support module comprises at least one structural element, ie the reinforcing module comprises at least one reinforcing tube and the support module comprises at least one structural element, a holding member and said spacer means,
• the reinforcement module is isostatically connected to the support module when said spacer means is in the first solid state,
• the structure comprises at least one weld bead and an opening on at least one structural element, said weld bead extending along joint lines between the reinforcing tube and the structural element,
• the reinforcement module is connected hyperstatically to the support module when said spacer means is in the second solid state,
• said spacer means comprises at least one structural foam plate which is adapted to increase in volume under the effect of heat to stiffen the structure of the vehicle,
• the structure comprises at least one structural foam plate bonded to an inner face of a holding member of a reinforcing tube, said inner face facing the reinforcing tube,
• the structure comprises at least one structural foam plate bonded to an outer face of a holding member of a reinforcing tube, said outer face being facing a structural element,
• the structural element is a motor vehicle bay pillar.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une structure de véhicule automobile qui représente schématiquement l'agencement d'un élément de renfort sur la structure du véhicule, selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est un agrandissement détaillant une partie de la structure de la figure 1 vue de l'intérieure du véhicule, représentant un montant de baie supportant un élément de renfort,
• la figure 3 est une vue en détail de la partie supérieure du montant de baie de la figure 2, dans laquelle est notamment repésenté un organe de support, un moyen faisant entretoise et une extrémité de l'élément de renfort,
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe selon A-A de la figure 2,
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'un organe de maintien de l'élément de renfort situé en partie inférieure de la figure 2,
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe selon B-B de la figure 5.

Other features and advantages will appear on reading the following description, given by way of example and without limitation, with reference to the figures in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle structure which schematically represents the arrangement of a reinforcing element on the vehicle structure, according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is an enlargement detailing a part of the structure of FIG. 1 seen from the inside of the vehicle, representing a bay post supporting a reinforcing element,
• FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the upper part of the baystaff of FIG. 2, in which is notably represented a support member, a spacer means and an end of the reinforcing element,
• FIG. 4 is a sectional view along AA of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a holding member of the reinforcement element located in the lower part of FIG. 2,
• Figure 6 is a sectional view along BB of Figure 5.

The description of a motor vehicle composed of a particular structure, as will be given below, refers to the terms "before", "rear", "left" and "right" which are determined according to the meaning normal operation of the vehicle.

In order to locally stiffen the structure 1 of a motor vehicle, as illustrated in FIG. 1, at least one reinforcing element 2 is arranged on one or more of the structural elements 1 so as to transmit the forces of a external shock through at least one element of the structure comprising in particular the reinforcing element.

A motor vehicle thus comprises a structure 1 on which are mounted the bodywork elements and at least one reinforcement module.

For this, all or part of the structural elements 3 serves as a support module to said reinforcement module 2.

This reinforcement module 2 preferably comprises at least one reinforcing tube 2 which is attached during a shoeing step which takes place at the beginning of the manufacture of the vehicle. This step of shoeing mainly consists of assembling and then joining the various elements 3 constituting the vehicle structure through, for example, welding operations.

FIG. 1 illustrates, by way of example and schematically, the arrangement of a reinforcement module 2 on a motor vehicle structure of which at least one element is represented in FIGS. 2 to 6. More particularly, the module of FIG. reinforcement 2 is located at the level of the rack struts, the reinforcement module 2 being mounted on a lateral side of the windshield. Of course, the vehicle structure may comprise other stiffening zones that require the provision of a complementary reinforcing element. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reinforcement module 2 preferably extends along the bay upright, the front foot and ends at the level of the base of the structure, that is to say at a spar.

Of course, a reinforcement module similar to this may also be disposed on another lateral side of the windshield of the vehicle so that each rack amount has a reinforcement module 2.

In another type of vehicle, the reinforcement module 2 can only extend between the bay upright and the front foot. FIG. 2 represents only a part of the structure of a vehicle, namely an amount of bay 3 comprising upper ends 3a and lower 3b which are respectively connected to the front and central feet (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement module consists solely of a reinforcing tube 2 of tubular section, preferably cylindrical at the upper ends 2a and lower 2b, and of substantially oval section in its middle 2c. Each reinforcing tube 2 is hollow, knowing of course that it can also be full. In addition, it is connected to at least one support module which consists of the amount of bay 3, support members 4 secured to the amount of bay 3 and the front foot.

The upper ends 2a and lower 2b of the reinforcing tube and are respectively indirectly related to the amount of bay 3 and the front foot. Indeed, holding members 4 are interposed between the reinforcing tube 2 and the amount of bay or the front foot. The central portion 2c is itself directly linked to the amount of bay 3. For this, each holding member 4 comprises at least one concavely curved face 4i (Cf. FIG.6) which is intended to cooperate directly or indirectly with the outer periphery of the reinforcing tube 2.

The reinforcement module also comprises a means 5 forming spacer. Indeed, even though an outer face 4e of each holding member 4 cooperates with at least one structural element 3, in this case an amount of bay, one face 4i which lies opposite the reinforcing tube 2, comprises said spacer means 5. For this, the inner face 4i is concavely curved (see FIG.6) and is intended to support said spacer means 5, which is intended to cooperate with all or part of the outer periphery of the reinforcing tube 2.

Said spacer means 5 comprises at least one structural foam element, which is cut in a structural foam plate, which is able to increase in volume under the effect of heat. The cutting profile of each structural foam plate 5 is made according to the shape of the corresponding holding member 4. Each structural foam plate is shaped according to the inner face 4i of the holding member.

Such a structural foam plate 5 is advantageously capable of increasing thickness under the effect of heat, thus passing from a first solid state to a second solid state. The foam plate 5 thus comprises two faces, one of them being bonded to the holding member 4, for example on the inner face 4i.

The expansion of the structural foam, between the first and second solid state, is caused by a warming obtained for example by the passage of all or part of the vehicle structure in an oven after cataphoresis. Said structural foam is composed of an organic material which is able to become stable and inert after an operation of heating.

Such an expansion advantageously makes it possible to fill the mounting gaps and to link the tube 2 in a hyperstatic manner on each support module. In fact, the structural foam element 5 makes it possible to mechanically bond the reinforcing tube 2 to the holding members 4, according to a connection of the recessed type. The structural foam advantageously provides a hyperstatic connection of the reinforcing tube 2 on the vehicle structure.

Indeed, when the reinforcing tube 2 is assembled on the support module composed of structural elements 3, holding members 4 and structural foam elements 5, it is initially isostatically connected to said support module by means of at least one weld bead 6 made at joint lines obtained by pressing the central portion 2c of the tube 2 and the structural element 3 to allow the production of the weld seams 6, the structural element 3 comprises at least one opening 3a (see FIG.4) connecting the outer faces 3e and inner 3i them. Thus the weld beads 6 connecting the reinforcing tube 2 to the element 3 extend continuously or discontinuously through at least one opening 3a.

In a second step, the structural foam element 5 undergoes an expansion of material which fills the mounting clearance 7 (see FIG.6) so that the forces of an external shock can be transmitted directly from the reinforcing tube 2 to each holding member 4. The deformation of the vehicle structure in case of external shock is thus better controlled.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the reinforcement module comprises at least one retaining member 4 and a reinforcing tube 2. The support module then comprises only the structural elements 3 which may be a rack and a front leg . The support module, or even the support and reinforcement modules, also comprises a spacer means 5. The spacer means 5 is then arranged between at least one structural element 3 and at least one support member 4. In fact, a structural foam element is bonded to the outer face 4e of said holding member 4, so that the expansion of said holding member 4 makes it possible to fill the mounting clearances, while ensuring that it is mechanically linked by an embedding type connection, support member 4 to at least one of the structural elements 3.

Claims (10)

Motor vehicle structure (1) comprising at least one reinforcing module (2, 4, 5; 2) providing transmission of the forces of an external impact through the vehicle structural elements, at least one support module (3 3, 4, 5) cooperating with all or part of said reinforcement module (2, 4, 5; 2), characterized in that it comprises at least one spacer means (5) arranged on all or part of said module of reinforcement (2, 4) and / or said support module (3, 4), said spacer means (5) being adapted to pass from a first solid state to a second solid state in order to fill mounting gaps between said reinforcement module (2, 4, 5; 2) and said support module (3; 3, 4, 5). Structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcement module comprises at least one reinforcing tube (2), a holding member (4) and said spacer means (5), and in that the support module comprises at least one structural element (3). Structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcement module comprises at least one reinforcing tube (2) and in that the support module comprises at least one structural element (3), a holding member (4) and said spacer means (5). Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reinforcement module (2, 4, 5; 2) is isotatically connected to the support module (3; 3, 4, 5) when said means making spacer (5) is in the first solid state. Structure according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one weld bead (6), an opening (3a) provided on at least one structural element (3), said weld bead (6) extending along joining lines between the reinforcing tube (2) and the structural member (3). Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reinforcement module (2, 4, 5; 2) is connected hyperstatically to the support module (3; 3, 4, 5) when said middle making spacer (5) is in the second solid state. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said spacer means (5) comprises at least one structural foam plate which is able to increase in volume under the effect of heat to stiffen the structure of the vehicle. Structure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one structural foam plate (5) adhered to an inner face (4i) of a holding member (4) of a reinforcing tube (2), said inner face (4i) being facing the reinforcing tube (2). Structure according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one structural foam plate (5) adhered to an outer face (4e) of a holding member (4) of a reinforcing tube (2), said outer face (4e) facing a structural element (3). Structure according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the structural element (3) is a motor vehicle bay pillar (1).

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